Earth Matters: Rethink the Future is a 5,000 square foot exhibit that takes visitors on an inspirational journey to understand the changes occurring in our natural world and discover how we can rethink solutions for a better future.
In coordination with this new special exhibition, on display September 17 – January 8, 2023, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will present programming that supports the mission of connecting our communities as we all work to move forward proactively in rethinking our future.
Our special programming includes a range of topics, and we have worked to gear events toward audiences of all ages. Please visit this page and our events calendar to learn about programs and events to join throughout the run of the exhibition.
The museum has embraced its role in providing relevant, thematic programming that serves our entire community. On behalf of our partners, we look forward to providing engaging conversation and connection during our presentation of Earth Matters.
For more information on Earth Matters please visit: www.fcmod.org/earthmatters.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery hosts relevant and meaningful special exhibitions every year thanks to generous community support. For more information about how to support the museum’s special exhibition programs, contact Director of Philanthropy Catherine Carabetta at ccarabetta@fcmod.org.
September 16 | Earth Matters: VIP Opening | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Exhibit partners are able to join us at our Earth Matters: VIP Opening. The event will feature a special presentation from State of Colorado Climatologist Russ Schumacher throughout the evening in the Woodward Special Exhibition Gallery as well as during a special presentation at 6 p.m. in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater. This event is by invitation only.
September 17 | Earth Matters: Member Only Preview | 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Members are the heart and soul of Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and we are hosting an opportunity for members to experience Earth Matters and a suite of themed programming before it opens to the general public. Learn more about the programming we have in store for the day.
September 17 | O.P.E.N. Fort Collins | Lee Martinez Park | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join O.P.E.N. (Opportunities for People to Engage in Nature) Fort Collins for a celebration of community and nature, plus connect with BIPOC-owned and -led businesses, music, dancing, and more. FCMoD is providing a free pass to the museum for the first 200 attendees at O.P.E.N. After connecting with community and nature at Lee Martinez Park, head to the museum to visit the interactive Earth Matters exhibit. Learn more about O.P.EN. Fort Collins.
September 18 | Earth Matters: Public Opening | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A 5,000 square foot special exhibition, Earth Matters opens to the public on September 18. The exhibition runs until January 8, 2023 and receives support from Odell Brewing Co., Hewlett-Packard, and Kaiser Permanente. Learn all about the special exhibition at www.fcmod.org/earthmatters.
September 23 | Butterfly Inn Storytime | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Building on the interactive nature of Earth Matters, join us for a storytime, craft, and book signing with local author Nancy Derey Riley for her latest book: Butterfly Inn. Space is limited and takes place in our OtterBox Digital Dome Theater. Registration is available.
September 24 | Black-footed Ferret Rediscovery Day | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join the celebration of the Rediscovery Day for our black-footed ferrets. Sustainability is an over-arching goal at the museum and our Black-Footed Ferret Rediscovery Day will honor that tradition. The black-footed ferret, once thought extinct, was rediscovered in 1981 in Meeteetse, Wyoming. This turned the conservation world upside down. Fort Collins Natural Areas biologists will also be on site for the September 24 event to tell you how you can visit Soapstone Natural Area to see this amazing species. The event is free for all to attend.
October 8 | You Can Can It! Food Preservation with Amber Webb | 11 a.m. – noon
Amber Webb of the CSU Extension Service will share preservation tips so you can take part in this season’s garden bounty safely and deliciously. Registration is required for this free event.
October 9 | Teen Self-Care Fair | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Teen Self-Care Fair aims to bring mental health resources to youth through fun, interactive group activities. This year will highlight the connection between mental health and climate grief. Teen Self-Care Fair is a partnership with the museum, Imagine Zero, the Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Impact Fund. Learn more about this event – which will be a Free Day at the museum with the support of LCBHSIF.
October 13 | It’s Not Easy Keeping it Green: Sustainable Turf Management with Dr. Tony Koski | 7 – 8 p.m.
To lawn or not to lawn? The question might not be that simple. Join CSU Turf Science professor Dr. Tony Koski in FCMoD’s OtterBox Digital Dome Theater for an insightful presentation of species and methods for cultivating your own more sustainable lawn. Registration is required and tickets are available as “pay what you can.”
October 15 | W.O.L.F. Sanctuary Presentation | 12 – 2 p.m.
W.O.L.F. Sanctuary is a non-profit Northern Colorado sanctuary that provides help to captive born wolves and wolf dogs. At this gathering, presenters will talk about a new sanctuary and offer everyone a chance to meet a wolf dog. The event is free with museum admission.
October 20 | The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend: Recognizing and Working with Natural Enemies of Insect Pests with Dr. Whitney Crenshaw | 7 – 8 p.m.
Dr. Whitney Crenshaw, from CSU’s Entomology Department, will share his vast knowledge of our area’s smallest inhabitants to help you understand how you can use their natural behaviors to minimize insects’ more destructive impacts on your life and home. Registration is required.
October 22 | Learn Cheesemaking with Rachel Wildman | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rachel Wildman, Farmer’s Market Coordinator of CSU’s Extension Service, will demonstrate the ins and out, curds and wheys of delicious cheesemaking in the Learning Lab. Registration is required.
November 5 | Tom Cech in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater | 2 – 3 p.m.
Colorado has been in the most serious drought in 1,200 years, and our growing population is stretching limited water resources. What are the impacts of Colorado water law on this unprecedented period in our state’s history? Tom Cech will provide insight and perspective on these critical issues for the Front Range of Colorado. Cech is the recently-retired director of the One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Sustainability at Metropolitan State University in Denver.
November 17 | Meet The Raptors | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will be on site with live raptors and information to share about the animals, their habitat, and conservation efforts. Since 1987, RMRP has served the northern Colorado region through raptor rescue, rehabilitation and research, and conservation education. The event is free with museum admission.
November 17 | Radon: The Health Risks and Solutions with Karen Crumbaker | 7 – 8 p.m.
Join CSU Extension Service Agent in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Karen Crumbaker, in FCMoD’s OtterBox Digital Dome to learn the real impacts of radon exposure and practical measures you can take to protect yourself from its effects. Registration is required.
December 10 | Black-footed Ferret Clone Day | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn more about our black-footed ferrets, as well as the wonderful birth story of the first-ever cloned BFF Elizabeth Anne as we celebrate the wonders of conservation. The event is free for all to attend.
December 15 | Some Like It Hot: Sun Loving Plants for Your Fort Collins Yard with Alison O’Connor | 7 – 8 p.m.
Blessed with a sun-drenched yard? Join Alison O’Connor of the CSUExtension Service to learn how to make sun-friendly perennial, tree, and shrub choices for a beautiful, more sustainable yard. Registration is required.
This page will be updated as we share more programs.
Find our Earth Matters Press Release.